Ethiopian Airlines and Air Senegal Secure Major Boeing 737 MAX Orders at Dubai Airshow

On November 17, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines announced a commitment to purchase 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft during the Dubai Airshow. This agreement aims to bolster the airline's regional and international networks while enhancing its hub in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines, recognized as Africa's largest carrier, already operates the continent's largest fleet of Boeing aircraft and holds the most significant backlog of 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner models.

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Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew expressed enthusiasm about the new order, stating, “We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional 11 737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow. The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy.” The airline utilizes its 737 MAX fleet for high-frequency routes across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe, where operational efficiency and quick turnarounds are essential.

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In a parallel development, Air Senegal confirmed its first order for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, committing to purchase nine 737-8 jets, with options for six more. This marks Air Senegal's largest fleet purchase to date and its first Boeing order since 2004. The airline aims to modernize its fleet and expand its services regionally and internationally, particularly from its base in Dakar.

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Air Senegal's CEO Tidiane Ndiaye remarked, “This acquisition marks a major milestone for Air Sénégal. This order is part of Air Sénégal’s strategy to strengthen and modernize its fleet in order to support the expansion of its regional and intercontinental network and reinforce Dakar’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.” The 737 MAX will enable Air Senegal to serve secondary European cities and launch new routes to the Middle East and the Americas.

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These commitments from Ethiopian Airlines and Air Senegal highlight the growing demand for air travel in Africa, driven by economic development and a youthful population. Boeing's 2025 Commercial Market Outlook projects that African carriers will require over 1,200 new airplanes in the next two decades, with single-aisle jets comprising more than 70% of deliveries.

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Brad McMullen, Boeing's Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, emphasized the importance of these agreements, stating, “Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to expanding its 737 MAX fleet underscores its leadership in Africa. Our new agreement also strengthens our nearly 80-year partnership with the airline and region.”

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Despite the positive outlook, the relationship between Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing has faced scrutiny due to the tragic crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in 2019, which involved a 737 MAX. This incident led to a global grounding of the aircraft model for 20 months. However, the recent orders signify a renewed confidence in Boeing's aircraft and its partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.

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The orders from Ethiopian Airlines and Air Senegal at the Dubai Airshow represent a significant step in the expansion of aviation in Africa. Both airlines are positioning themselves to meet the rising demand for air travel while enhancing their operational capabilities through modern, efficient aircraft. As they continue to grow, these commitments underscore the strategic importance of the African aviation market in the global landscape.

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